Skateboarders glimpse the future

Things were rolling at the Dawson Recreation Area April 20 as more than 100 skateboarders met for a jam session sponsored by the Recreation Department and the Skate Park Committee.

The jam was organized to get local skateboarders together for some fun and raise awareness of park building efforts.

“We are very happy with the turnout. This would be an every day event if we had a park,” said Mike Savino, Skate Park Committee chairman.

Members of the Eastern Boarder skate team arrived with a U-Haul full of ramps and rails that they set up in the Rec area’s parking lot. The team demonstrated tricks and offered tips to aspiring young skateboarders.

John Nicholson, a Holden resident who’s on the EB team, was at the mic for some competitive events from which skateboarders took home prizes donated by Vans, a skate shoe and clothing company.

From a shady spot, moms Jillian Heenan and Heather Moore watched their sons, Collin, 8, and Riley, 13, try out the features at the portable park.

“I think it would be great if we had a skate park in town,” Heenan said. “We have tennis courts and baseball fields. Why not have a skate park, too?”

It would prevent kids from using parking lots around town, she said, most of which are posted with “No Skateboarding” signs.

Skate Park Committee member Valerie Taylor said she noticed parents of young teens dropping their kids off to skate on their own.

“It’s the best thing to see. A skate park would offer someplace for these kids to go,” she said.